Tim Allen

Hey Fantasy Football players, we're still considered 'somewhat' early in the 2013 fantasy season. That being said, it's time to, at least, consider a trade or two. If you see your season slipping away, maybe, just maybe, it's time to roll the dice. Put your chips in the middle, and it may turn your season around. The waiver wires are all picked over by the 'vultures', so that's not going to help. The mark of a good trade is not only the players you send and receive, it's 'WHEN' you send and receive them. Here are some players to consider when making your season changing move. Either getting the player on the cheap or sending a player, who later will be worth a value deal:

Buy Low:

Doug Martin and Vincent Jackson:
-Both of these players are having sub-par years. However, at some point, you would imagine, the Bucs will get there stuff together. Not to say that they will make a run at the playoffs, but they will start looking like an NFL offense. Heck, SOMEONE has to score for them. You might get a top rated RB in Martin for next to nothing...at least he 'was' rated as a top RB. Additionally, Jackson has had some monster days in a Bucs uniform, it could happen again. Send somebody a flex player for Vincent Jackson, he's probably on someone’s bench right now.

Antonio Brown:
Get him while you can. Although he has had 1 big game, he still might be a 'sale priced' player. Send someone an offer, they just might bite. Big Ben is still a nice QB, and Brown is a main 'go to' guy. His stock is considered low.

C.J. Spiller:
-Health has been an issue for Spiller thus far. If that clears itself up, one of the top ranked RB's to start the season, might just perform as one. His value is quite low, so gamble on him, what have you got to lose? Keep in mind, you'll have to share the carries with Fred Jackson, especially at the goal line, but maybe pick up Jackson at the same time, and handcuff your league. Take a look at the combined numbers in the Bills loss to Cleveland, plenty of fantasy points between the two of them.

Brandon Marshall:
-One of the elite WR's coming into the season, he’s see his numbers decline in the first few weeks of the season. There is just way too much talent, and Marshall may come cheap in your league. Marshall is one of those players that you'll have to give something to get him, but hopefully the guy that has Marshall is stacked at WR, and you can send him an RB, you might come out ahead, as Marshall’s numbers are BOUND to improve...you hope.

Ray Rice:
-Especially in a PPR league, Rice can be an improvement to your team down the stretch. Health has affected his season, but as the Ravens improve, so will Rice’s numbers. You might be surprised at what it will cost you to get him.

Justin Blackmon:
-Here's a player that just might be on the waiver wire. Claim him if you have room, it's a good gamble. He has all the ability in the world, and the Jaguars are continually playing from behind, so the targets will be there. A REAL INEXPENSIVE GAMBLE.

Larry Fitzgerald:
-The new offense implemented in Arizona is going to take a few weeks. As the team gets to know it, Fitz's numbers WILL improve. For an elite fantasy WR, he has some lower value. See what it takes to get him.

Tony Gonzalez:
-Remember that Gonzo did not do training camp, so it has taken him a bit longer to get into the rhythm of things. Get to the trade offer section of your league, and bounce something off your opponent. Gonzo WILL improve as the season moves along, and it's just about to happen.

Sell High:

Mike Wallace:
-Although the Dolphins are playing well this season, it just does not appear the Wallace can be considered elite. He's a nice splashy name, and that is why you might consider trading him. He certainly has not performed, but star power name alone might get you what you need.

Maurice Jones-Drew:
-Jacksonville plays from behind most every week, which takes carries away from MJD. You will have to suffer through an occassional nice game by MJD once you move him, but have no remorse, see if a player in your league still thinks it's MJD from years ago, and pull the trigger.

Phillip Rivers:
-If Rivers is one of two QB's on your team, and the other gets the starts, trade Rivers NOW. Don't wait, do not pass go, trade him yesterday. His value is at it's peak, as high as it has been in a few years. Can Rivers continue to put up these type numbers? Probably not. Send your buddy a trade offer, and make sure you send Rivers stats along with it. Your return will be nice.

Antonio Gates:
-Can this old guy be worth something? YES, yes he can, and yes he IS worth something. Maybe more than you think. He's ONE injury from being worth virtually nothing, trade him before it happens. His stock is quite nice right now.

Now that the dust has settled for the 2013 Milwaukee Brewers, let's look ahead...it's soooo much better than looking backward. The question is, are the 2014 Brewers a playoff team? You tell me. The talent is certainly there, and with some additions, could be better. Take a look at this every day line-up:

The above line-up 'IS' a playoff batting order, and could be made better by a 1st Base addition. Health obviously is needed, but Brewers fans sure would like to see this line-up on a regular basis. However, the bigger question marks will be with the 2014 starting rotation. As of now, this would be your rotation:

Lohse
Gallardo
Peralta
Estrada
Thornburg

Is this good enough to hit the post season? With a few fingers crossed, a big MAYBE. The Crew would have to have a few things go right, but all in all, you can't say it's a "bad" rotation. Here is where Brewers’ GM Doug Melvin has his work cut out for him. He has stepped up in the past and acquired a top of the rotation type pitcher (Greinke and Sabathia). Does he have enough in the minor league system to do it again? A 'front line' starter would certainly put the 2014 crew "over the top" and ticket them to the post season once again. The bullpen will have some turnover, but Jim Henderson, Brandon Kintzler, Tom Gorzelanny have 3 of the 7 spots locked up. The question here is, whether or not Henderson can be counted on to close games in the clutch down the stretch. Melvin has done a nice job over the years with acquiring decent bullpen arms, and there shouldn’t be much concern on this front.

Overall, the foundation is there, and Manager Ron Roenicke has his entire coaching staff returning in 2014 which will help. Bottom Line: The crew is NOT as far off as some might think. When you get to Las Vegas over the off season, put down a few bucks on the crew, you will get some good odds, and it might just pay off for you. Smile Milwaukee, The World Will Smile Back!!

So we've come to the determination that the Brewers 2013 season was a complete train wreck? Let’s not be so quick to make that judgment.

GM Doug Melvin has shown us a few things that may have been thrown into the 'pleasant surprise' category. Khris Davis is one of them. Prorate out Davis' numbers, and it shows some strong potential. Not only with regard to his power, but as of this writing, his batting average as well. Small sample size would be the other side of the argument, but for now, a notch to the good side for Melvin. Scooter Gennett has impressed. The young second baseman was somewhat overmatched the first time up, but now seems to have settled in. Whether or not he is a legit lead-off hitter remains to be seen, but Scooter looks to be a solid major leaguer. The development of Wily Peralta is a work in progress. However, he seems to be durable, taking the ball every 5 games, and learning on the job. A few tweaks here and there and Wily could find himself at the top of the rotation within 1 or 2 years. Jim Henderson has emerged to be quite reliable in the back end of the bullpen. The long time minor leaguer has stepped up and performed well. Will he pitch in the 8th or 9th inning? THAT remains to be seen, but we can agree that he’s been successful thus far. The third base position. Juan Francisco shows tremendous power, but lacks in batting average. If the organization can get Francisco to put the ball in play more consistently, Melvin may have pulled off another good to great trade. Additionally, the trade of K Rod for 3B prospect Nick Delmonico might be something to keep your eyes on. Nonetheless, Melvin saw a hole in the line-up at 3B, and addressed it. Ramirez has only 1 year left on a 3 year deal, and Melvin’s foresight may be praised within 2 years or so. Finally, the young pitchers in the organization are a work in progress. Johnny Hellweg, who struggled at the big league level, certainly has shown his talents at Triple A. If that converts to the majors, a future tandem of Peralta and Hellweg could prove to be powerful. Jimmy Nelson, Taylor Jungmann, Jed Bradley, Devin Williams, along with Fiers, Estrada, and others has the 'strength in numbers' theme to it. Finally, the position players that Melvin has massed, often times, flies under the radar. Braun and Gomez will both be here for years to come. Lucroy and Segura are mainstays and both may be better than we've seen thus far.

The 2013 trade deadline came and went, and the Brewers made just one trade. K rod was moved for 3b prospect Nicky Delmonico. A good trade, everyone will agree. However, some will not agree that Brewers GM Doug Melvin didn’t make any other trades. Is that such a bad thing? Let's examine.

With another year of Aramis Ramirez, could the crew actually get MORE for him at next year’s deadline? Maybe. Weeks value was down, and with the amount of money he makes, the Crew was going to have to pay more than they wanted to move him. He's not such a bad plan heading into next year, especially when he is batting lower in the line-up, expectations are not as high. Nori Aoki is too valuable of a piece to move, as he is under contract (team option) for next year. As like Ramirez, you could move Aoki next year, and potentially get MORE for him. Moving Gallardo or Lohse would take away 2/3 of your rotation heading into next year, instead of doing that, how about adding one more starter, and going into the 2014 campaign with Gallardo, Lohse, Peralta, and that additional signing? The bullpen returns at least 4 successful pitchers in Axford, Henderson, Gorzelanny, and Kintzler. Let's not forget about Figaro, and Marco Extrada when it comes to returning arms.

Analyzing the players returning, a person 'could' make the argument that the team will compete for the division title. I'm one of them...Smile Milwaukee, the World Will Smile Back!

Now that the 2013 season is well over the halfway mark for the crew, what do they do now? As the days go by, Brewers GM Doug Melvin has a decision to make. Does he stand pat, and go back at the 2014 season with essentially the same line-up, or does he make wholesale changes?

When you break down the contractual situations for key players, he actually could come back with: Lucroy, Ramirez, Segura, Weeks, Braun, Gomez, and Aoki. The hole will be at first base, and he could entertain the idea of Mat Gamel or Taylor Green. This line-up has been and can be very productive.

In terms of the pitching? Yo, Loshe, Peralta, and Estrada could comprise 4 of the starting pitchers in the rotation. The bullpen would have Kintzler, Axford, Henderson, Hand, and Figaro. Would it surprise fans to come back with these players, maybe, but it could happen. On the other hand, the trade potential is certainly there. Buy or sell, could have BIG ramifications for years to come. Let's enjoy this important July. Smile Milwaukee, the World will smile back.

With the season hanging on by a thread, what will Brewers GM Doug Melvin do 'IF' and when he decides to "sell" toward the trade deadline? Let’s take a look at what might be on the Brewers menu when other MLB GM's sit down to dine:

Aramis Ramirez:

Cross your fingers on the health of the knee. Ramirez could draw some pretty decent returns, as he still has 1 year left on the existing contract. A team that grabs him, would obviously use him for their playoff push, but will have him for 2014. That being said, they might decide to deal him prior to the deadline next season, and if they don't, Ramirez could return a draft choice for them. But he would have to spend the entire season of 2014 with that club. Many options to obtain Ramirez for that team...but what's it worth? It might be a nice return for the crew.

Corey Hart:
This situation is a little more confusing, in that his health is a major concern. Would a team pony up much to get him, considering he has not played to date? The crew may have to gamble, offering him a qualifying offer. If he takes it, the Brewers are 'stuck' with him. If he does not, then compensation rules take effect. If he comes back to play a few weeks prior to the deadline, maybe a team will take a chance, but not likely.

Yovani Gallardo:
With Yo under contract for next season, and an option for 2015, this could net the biggest return. If Melvin decides to take the next few seasons to 'rebuild', then does Yo NEED to be here? The return on Yo could be dramatic, and filled with more young rebuilding tools for the crew. There are 10 teams on his 'no trade' list to consider as well. This is maybe, the most interesting trade debate.

Henderson/Axfor/K Rod:
Again, 'if' Melvin is in re-build mode, then 2 of these 3 must go. Their value is pretty good right now. considering you pulled Henderson off the "scrap heap" as a veteran minor leaguer, Melvin needs to get something for Henderson, and in a strange justification, would be "free return" for him. The volatility of John Axford the past year may hurt his value, but the numbers certainly lately have increased any prospective trade value. A closer often times, is one of the final pieces of a rebuild plan. A $5 million 7th or 8th inning pitcher may not be worth it. Melvin should get something decent for Ax if the move is made. K Rod, on the other hand, is an interesting situation. He is indeed at the tail end of his career, and the crew should simply get what they can get, as soon as they can.

Michael Gonzalez:
A veteran lefty specialist WILL warrant some trade value. What team WOULDN'T want him? His numbers look good, and an AA prospect is NOT out of the question. Potentially a 3rd base minor leaguer would be what I would look for.

Tom Gorzelanny:
A reliever that’s having a very good year that is under contract for next season. Probably a guy I would keep, and move him next season, but answer the phone on him. Melvin may get an offer he can't refuse.

Yuni B.:
Take what you can get, anything, any level of the minors. I doubt there is much value, considering his recent numbers, but we can always hope the crew gets something for him.

Rickie Weeks:
Money may have to be involved in an attempt to move Weeks. Melvin, if Weeks is in a specific trade conversation, will have to be included. It's not out of the question to move him for decent young talent, but my guess is that the crew would have to pay some of the salary the next year or so. Would be a dramatic move is Melvin pulls the trigger on such a fan favorite.

Martin Maldonado:
There is probably going to be some interest from other teams for Martin. However, with him under team control, I don't think he will be moved. He does have value, but he may have more value for the crew being Lucroy’s back up. He’s the insurance policy if Luc gets hurt. It would surprise me if he is moved.

Nori Aoki:
Value here for sure. There is an option for next season, and it's a decent deal, but Logan Schafer is here, and could take over in right if needed. Melvin needs to ask himself if Nori is part of the future, and if the answer is no, then get a nice young prospect for him. I think he is worth that for sure, despite his age.

Juan Francisco:
This could be a player that is a package deal. ONLY if there is a young 3rd Baseman involved. Watching the TV show 'Pickers', they like to "bundle" things together. Francisco would be part of a "bundle" move for Melvin. Young at 25, it's not a bad gamble to hang on to him either, just to see if it "clicks" with him. If it does, Melvin got a steal when he acquired him.

*As you can see above, Brewers GM Doug Melvin has options...and A LOT OF THEM! IF, and I said IF he decides to rebuild, he has the value to do it. If that happens, let’s all talk about it. Smile Milwaukee, the world Will Smile Back!!

Here we are on May 13, and the crew has just 1 win this month. YES, ONE win in the entire month. The 15-20 mark matches last year’s disappointing start. Is the season "snake bitten"? You tell me, I'll spell out the facts, and you make up your own mind. The following bullet points are displayed for inventory purposes, but who's keeping a list? Well...ME!

SNAKEBITTEN: ??

-I was hit in the head with a foul ball during spring training. Thanks to all who sent little stuffed animals, flowers, thoughts, and concerns.

-GM Doug Melvin was stung by a scorpion during spring training.

-Ron Roenicke fought a pretty bad cold during spring training.

-Ryan Braun's name popped up once again with the Bio Genesis PED story.

-Yovani Gallardo lost his mother during the off-season.

-Corey Hart has knee surgery, and will be out for at least 2 months.

-Mat Gamel is lost for the season with another ACL injury.

-Taylor Green starts the year on the DL, and is later lost for the year.

-Mark Rogers loses all sorts of velocity and command, and here in Mid-May, they are still trying to figure out what is wrong.

-Aramis Ramirez hurts knee during spring training, thus costing him playing time in which he wanted to play more during spring camp to limit his slow start history.

-A legitimate offer to free agent pitcher Ryan Dempster was turned down. Later he signs with Boston for similar offer.

-Roughly 12-13 players missed time during spring training to play in the WBC, including both catchers.

-Jeff Bianchi starts year on DL with hip injury.

-Ramirez is lost to the DL for knee injury, misses roughly a month.

-John Axford struggles, including a blown save on the opening day of the season.

-Ryan Braun misses the second series of the year with a neck strain, and the crew gets swept by Arizona.

-A game 3 rain out in Chicago has the crew bussed back to Milwaukee because they could not line up a plane to get them to St. Louis.

-Alex Gonzalez misses time, twice, for injuries to hamstring, and being hit in the hand.

-Yovani gets arrested for suspected DUI.

-Kyle Loshe dislocated finger while running to first base.

-Jean Segura splits a fingernail during warm-ups, misses a game.

-Yovani loses velocity.

-Ricky Weeks gets off to a horrible start.

-Lucroy struggles offensively to start the year.

-The crew, as of this writing May 13, have won ONLY ONE GAME THIS MONTH!!!

-Starting pitchers, as a whole, is struggling as well in the month of May.

-Attendance has seen a marketable drop in 2013.

***The above list is in no particular order. Please feel free to notify me, on or off the air, if I have missed anything. Bad luck season? Snake bitten? Make up your own mind on this one. I, personally, am hanging in there. There is way too much talent on this team. It’s time to overcome all the challenges. As always, Smile Milwaukee, the World Will Smile Back!!

Now that the Brewers first month of the season is over, the "Digging Is Done"! After the 2-8 start, the Crew has dug themselves out of a hole and into a competitive situation. Certainly rattling off 9 victories in a row has helped, but the season has settled in, and the Brewers can move on from here. Starting pitching and the bullpen has stabilized, and now it's time to work on the offense. Injuries to both Corey Hart and Aramis Ramirez have hurt, but couple that with slow starts by Weeks, Lucroy and Braun and you find yourself in an unfavorable position.

THIS line-up is scary for opposing pitchers. The crew needs to tread water until then, but the offense as is, CAN be better. Looks like a fun and competitive season is about to heat up. Smile Milwaukee, the World Will Smile Back!

Drunk driving has, and continues to kill in America. Just read your local newspapers and you'll find that EVERY night people are cited for DUI. Society continues to think it's alright to get behind the wheel after drinking. Why? You jeopardize your safety, and more importantly, the safety of others. I know we all make mistakes, but we all make choices too. STOP DRUNK DRIVING!!!

Here's an 'All DUI TEAM', not to make light of drunk drivers, but to continue to call them on the carpet for stupidity:

*The following list of players and their DUI arrests were obtained through public record.

How early is it? Early enough to hit the panic button? Early enough for a classic 'Tim allen Rant'? A big resounding TOOOOO EARLY!! Injuries have played a prevalent role through the first home stand of the season. Some say you cannot use injuries as an excuse, I say HOGWASH, YES you can. Gammel, Hart, Ramirez, and Braun all out of the last couple of games has crushed this team. It goes deeper than the offense that is missing in action, it effects the overall attitude and confidence as well. Not to say that pitchers should stop giving up runs, but it DOES have an effect. Starters should be going longer, and that certainly will help the bullpen. The starters WILL settle in, the bullpen will get some relief, and the injuries WILL heal...won't they? Still way too early to call this a snake bitten season, so hang in there Brewers fans, they will get better. There is way too much talent on this team. Smile Milwaukee, the World WILL Smile Back.